Apparatus and method for unloading tape cartridges

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for automatically removing tape from a wound tape cartridge of the type having a hub around which a length of tape is wound, a protective housing surrounding the hub having a door for providing access to the tape during use, and locking members for preventing the hub from unintentionally rotating and the door from unintentionally opening. The apparatus comprises a cartridge conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of wound tape cartridges. A cartridge processing station operatively associated with the cartridge conveyor for receiving the wound tape cartridges from the cartridge conveyor in a sequential manner and holding the cartridges in an operational position to allow for automatic removal of the tape from the cartridges. An unwinding assembly is operatively associated with the processing station for engaging the tape in a cartridge being held in the operational position at the processing station and stripping the tape from the cartridge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for unloading magnetic tape from a cartridge, and more specifically, to an automated apparatus capable of removing digital linear tape from a plurality of cartridge in succession.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the process of testing magnetic tape, specifically, digital linear tape (“DLT”), the tape is typically loaded into standard cartridges to simulate real world use conditions. A single batch of DLT can be used to fill numerous cartridges, only a few of which may ultimately be used in testing to determine the quality of the DLT batch. Once the testing is complete, the cartridges are typically thrown away. Since the testing process is generally continuous, the repeated one-time use of cartridges is a wasteful practice that adds significant expense to the testing process. Accordingly, a need arose to recycle the cartridges for testing DLT. However, each cartridge holds approximately 557 m of DLT. Manually unloading the DLT from the cartridge is an overly burdensome and inefficient process to attempt to recycle the cartridges for additional testing. Thus, a further need arose for a machine to quickly and efficiently unload DLT from a cartridge, and be capable of unloading large numbers of cartridges. Additionally, manufactures of DLT cartridges also have a need to recycle loaded tape cartridges, as problems sometime arise in loading the DLT into the cartridges.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,480 discloses a scroll stripping method and apparatus that unwinds a scroll of microfilm from a film cartridge. The invention requires a person to manually load a single cartridge into the apparatus, and then manually feed the film between a pair of rollers, which draws the film from the cartridge. The patent does not disclose an automated loading system for placing cartridges in a position for unloading, or an automated feeding system for gripping the film leader and positioning the film between the pair of rollers.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,682 discloses an automated system for loading and unloading tape cartridges into a play deck. No disclosure, however, is provided for stripping the tape from the cartridges.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,187 discloses an automated method for loading magnetic recording tape into a cassette. The patent does not disclose any method for removing the tape from the cassette in order to recycle the cassette.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,604,657 discloses a manually operable apparatus for loading a film leader in a film projector. There is no disclosure of exposing the film leader in an automated manner for the purpose of stripping the film from the cartridge.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for automatically unwinding tape from a tape cartridge.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic tape cartridge unwinding apparatus having an automated tape feeding assembly for removing tape from a tape cartridge and feeding the tape into a tape unwinding assembly.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic tape cartridge unwinding apparatus having a tape cartridge conveyor assembly for automatically loading and unloading tape cartridges into an unwinding assembly for stripping tape from the cartridges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing an apparatus for automatically removing tape from a wound tape cartridge of the type having a hub around which a length of tape is wound, a protective housing surrounding the hub having a door for providing access to the tape during use, and locking members for preventing the hub from unintentionally rotating and the door from unintentionally opening. The apparatus includes a cartridge conveyor for conveying a plurality of wound tape cartridges for unwinding. A cartridge processing station is provided for receiving the wound tape cartridges from the cartridge conveyor and holding the cartridges in an operational position for tape removal. A cartridge opening member is disposed at the cartridge processing station for opening the door of a tape cartridge to expose a tape leader carried by the tape within the cartridge. A hub unlocking mechanism is disposed at the cartridge processing station for unlocking the hub on which the tape is wound so that the hub can spin freely to facilitate removal of the tape from the cartridge. An unwinding assembly is disposed adjacent the processing station for engaging the tape leader and withdrawing the tape from the cartridge. The unwinding assembly includes a stripping mechanism for receiving the tape from the cartridge and stripping the tape from the hub to empty the cartridge, and a movable feed arm having an engagement member for grabbing the tape leader and feeding the tape leader into the stripping mechanism.

[0011] The cartridge conveyor has a holding position for holding the plurality of wound tape cartridges prior to delivery to the cartridge processing station, and a loading position for receiving cartridges from the holding position. The cartridge conveyor transfers the wound tape cartridges from the loading position to the cartridge processing station in a sequential manner. A loading mechanism is disposed adjacent the cartridge processing station which has a cartridge engaging member adapted for engaging the wound tape cartridges at the loading position and transferring the cartridges from the loading position to the cartridge processing station. Additionally, the cartridge engaging member is also adapted for withdrawing unwound tape cartridge from the cartridge processing station so that another wound tape cartridge can be inserted into the cartridge processing station.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cartridge conveyor has a return position adjacent the loading position for holding unwound tape cartridges. In this embodiment, the loading mechanism withdraws unwound tape cartridges from the cartridge processing station and transfers the unwound tape cartridges to the return position which stores the cartridges in an ordered manner to prevent damage.

[0013] The cartridge conveyor has at least one conveyor belt adapted for conveying the wound tape cartridges from the holding position to the loading position. A cartridge lift mechanism is disposed at the loading position that is operatively associated with the loading mechanism. The lift mechanism has a lowered position in which a wound tape cartridge on the conveyor belt at the holding position can be delivered onto the lift mechanism at the loading position, and a raised position wherein the wound tape cartridge at the loading position is lifted off the conveyor belt so that the loading mechanism can slide the wound tape cartridge into the cartridge processing station.

[0014] Preferably, a cartridge sensor is carried by the cartridge conveyor for detecting an absence of cartridges on the cartridge conveyor. A control unit is in electronic communication with the cartridge sensor for stopping the cartridge conveyor upon depletion of wound tape cartridges.

[0015] The cartridge processing station includes an upper guide track and a lower guide track in a spaced arrangement adapted to receive a cartridge between the upper and lower guide tracks to direct the cartridge into the operational position from the cartridge conveyor. The cartridge opening member is carried by the lower guide track for engaging the cartridge when received between the upper and lower guide tracks to open the door to provide access to the cartridge tape.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment, the hub unlocking mechanism includes a first hub key carried by the upper guide track, and a second hub key disposed at the lower guide track for engaging the cartridge hub to unlock the hub to allow for tape removal.

[0017] The stripping mechanism includes a drive roller and a primary idler roller. The drive roller and primary idler roller cooperate to provide a primary nip for engaging the tape from the cartridge. The drive roller rotates to draw the tape from the cartridge at the primary nip until the tape is stripped from the hub. A secondary idler roller is also provided for cooperating with the primary idler roller to create a secondary nip for engaging the tape leader and directing the tape leader to the primary nip. The movable feed arm delivers the tape leader to the secondary nip to properly position the tape leader in the stripping mechanism for tape removal.

[0018] A tape sensor is disposed at the unwinding assembly for monitoring the passage of tape through the unwinding assembly. The tape sensor is operatively associated with the control unit for stopping operation of the apparatus upon detecting an absence of tape passing through the unwinding assembly after a predetermined period of time.

[0019] Advantageously, a disposal chute is carried adjacent the unwinding assembly for receiving tape stripped from the cartridge and delivering the tape into a collection bin. The disposal chute includes a vacuum orifice disposed beneath said unwinding assembly having a suction force for pulling tape stripped from said cartridge into the disposal chute and forcing the tape through the disposal chute and into a collection bin.

[0020] In operation, the apparatus conveys a plurality of wound tape cartridges to a cartridge processing station in a consecutive manner, holds a cartridge in an operation position at the cartridge processing station, opens the cartridge to expose a tape leader carried by the tape within the cartridge, unlocks the hub carrying the tape to facilitate removal of the tape from the cartridge, engages the tape leader with a movable feed arm, feeds the tape leader into a stripping mechanism, and strips the tape from the hub until the cartridge is empty.

[0021] The apparatus also conveys a wound tape cartridge from a holding position to a loading position adjacent the cartridge processing station. The wound tape cartridge is lifted at the loading position off of the conveyor. Once lifted, the wound tape cartridge is slid into the cartridge processing station clear of the conveyor. Once the tape is removed from the cartridge, the empty tape cartridge is withdrawn from the cartridge processing station and transferred to a return position on the cartridge conveyor so that another wound tape cartridge can be placed in the cartridge processing station. The withdrawn tape is preferably suctioned into a disposal chute through a vacuum orifice and deposited into a collection bin for disposal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of the invention;

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a top view of the invention;

[0026]FIG. 4 shows a front elevation view of the invention with the movable feed arm in a start position according to the invention;

[0027]FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of the invention with the movable feed arm in a hooking position with the tape leader according to the invention;

[0028]FIG. 6 shows a front elevation view of the invention with the movable feed arm lowering to withdraw the tape from the cartridge according to the invention;

[0029]FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of the invention with the movable feed arm retracting to withdraw the tape from the cartridge according to the invention;

[0030]FIG. 8 shows a front elevation view of the invention with the movable feed arm in a feeding position according to the invention;

[0031]FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of the invention with the loading mechanism withdrawing an unwound tape cartridge from the cartridge processing station according to the invention;

[0032]FIG. 10 shows a side view of the lift mechanism in a lowered position according to the invention;

[0033]FIG. 11 shows a side view of the lift mechanism in a raised position according to the invention;

[0034]FIG. 12 shows a side view of the cartridge processing station according to the invention;

[0035]FIG. 13 shows a rear elevation view of the invention; and

[0036]FIG. 14 shows a detailed perspective view of the cartridge processing station according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. Referring to FIG. 1, the invention is an apparatus for automatically removing tape from a wound tape cartridge of the type having a hub around which a length of tape is wound, a protective housing surrounding the hub having a door for providing access to the tape during use, and locking members for preventing the hub from unintentionally rotating and the door from unintentionally opening. The apparatus can be divided into three main sections, as best shown in FIG. 1, and described in detail herein below. The first major section is a cartridge conveyor, designated generally as 10, for conveying a plurality of wound tape cartridges 11 for unwinding. The second major section is a cartridge processing station, designated generally as 12, for receiving wound tape cartridges 11 from the cartridge conveyor and holding the cartridges in an operational position for tape removal by the third major section. The third major section is accordingly an unwinding assembly, designated generally as 14, disposed adjacent the processing station for engaging the tape in the wound tape cartridge loaded into cartridge processing station 12 and withdrawing the tape from the cartridge. A control unit 16 is provided in electronic communication with the three sections to coordinate operations described herein, as well as start and stop the apparatus as needed.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, cartridge conveyor 10 has a holding position, designated generally as 18, for holding the plurality of wound tape cartridges 11 prior to delivery of the cartridges to cartridge processing station 12. A loading position, designated generally as 20, is also provide in cartridge conveyor 10 for receiving wound tape cartridges from holding position 18. Cartridge conveyor 10 transfers wound tape cartridges 11 (FIG. 1) from loading position 20 to cartridge processing station 12 in a sequential manner for tape removal.

[0039] To transfer cartridges 11 from loading position 20 to cartridge processing station 12, cartridge conveyor 10 includes a loading mechanism, designated generally as 22, disposed adjacent cartridge processing station 12. As best shown in FIG. 10, loading mechanism 22 has at least one cartridge engaging member 24 adapted for engaging wound tape cartridges 11 at loading position 20 and transferring the cartridges from loading position 20 to cartridge processing station 12. In the preferred embodiment, loading mechanism 22 is pneumatically operated to slide tape cartridges from one position to the next, but is not limited to pneumatic operation. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, loading mechanism 22 comprises a plate 26 carrying cartridge engaging members 24, which extend through slots 28 to contact tape cartridges 11. Plate 26 is carried on guide rod 30 and forced to travel along the guide rod by pneumatic cylinder 32. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 14, cartridge engaging members 24 travel along slots 28 to engage cartridge 11 at loading position 20 and push the cartridge into cartridge processing station 12.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 14, once wound tape cartridge 11 is inserted into cartridge processing station 12 and unwound, the empty tape cartridge must be removed so that another wound tape cartridge can be inserted into the cartridge processing station for tape removal. To accomplish the removal, cartridge engaging member 25 is provided on plate 26. Cartridge engaging member 25 is pneumatically operated to move between an extended position, shown in phantom, and a retracted position. As shown in FIG. 14, when cartridge engaging member 25 is positioned in the retracted position it is recessed within slot 28 to slide past cartridge 11 in loading position 20 so that cartridge engaging members 24 can push the cartridge into position for unwinding. Cartridge engaging member 25 is then positioned in the extended position extending through slot 28 to engage the unwound tape cartridge and withdraw the cartridge from cartridge processing station 12 when plate 26 (FIG. 13) is slid back along guide rod 30 (FIG. 13), thereby withdrawing the unwound tape cartridge from the cartridge processing station.

[0041] Advantageously, referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, cartridge conveyor 10 has a return position, designated generally as 34, adjacent loading position 20 for receiving unwound tape cartridge from cartridge processing station 12. As described above, loading mechanism 22 withdraws unwound tape cartridges from cartridge processing station 12 and transfers the unwound tape cartridges to return position 34 where cartridge conveyor 10 moves the cartridges to holding position 35.

[0042] Essentially, referring to FIG. 10, cartridge conveyor 10 transfers wound tape cartridges 11 in a first direction 36 from holding position 18 to the loading position 20. Loading mechanism 22 then transfers the wound tape cartridges in a second direction 38 (FIG. 4) transverse to first direction 36 from the loading position to the cartridge processing station. Loading mechanism 22 then transfers unwound tape cartridges in direction 40 (FIG. 9) from cartridge processing station 12 to return position 34 where cartridge conveyor 10 moves the unwound cartridge in direction 42 (FIG. 11) to holding position 35.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, cartridge conveyor 10 has a plurality of conveyor belts 44 adapted for conveying tape cartridges 11 from holding position 18 to loading position 20, and from return position 34 to holding position 35. Belts 44 are rotatably carried on wheels 46. A conveyor drive 48 is connected to wheels 46 by drive shaft 50. As conveyor drive 48 turns drive shaft 50, wheels 46 cause conveyor belts 44 to move tape cartridges 11 into the appropriate positions as controlled by control unit 16.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, cartridge conveyor 10 includes a cartridge lift mechanism, designated generally as 52, disposed at loading position 20 operatively associated with loading mechanism 22 (FIG. 3). Additionally, lift mechanism 52 is further disposed at return position 34 and operatively associated with loading mechanism 22. Lift mechanism 52 is necessary to raise the tape cartridges off of conveyor belts 44 to prevent the cartridges from catching on the belts when being moved transversely across the belts by loading mechanism 22 to the various positions described above. Lift mechanism 52 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 54 operatively associated with a lifting plate 56 for raising and lowering the lifting plate to raise tape cartridges off of conveyor belts 44. Lifting plate 56 is disposed at loading position 20 to raise the tape cartridge for delivery to cartridge processing station 12. Additionally a lifting plate 56 is disposed at return position 34 for operating in conjunction with the lifting plate at loading position 20 to raise cartridge above conveyor belts 44 to move the cartridge from cartridge processing station 12 to return position 34.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, lift mechanism 52 has a lowered position 58 in which a wound tape cartridge on conveyor belt 44 (FIG. 3) at holding position 18 can be delivered onto lifting plate 56 at loading position 20. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, lifting mechanism 52 has a raised position 60 wherein the wound tape cartridge at loading position 20 is lifted off the conveyor belt so that loading mechanism 22 can slide the wound tape cartridge into and out of the cartridge processing station.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, a cartridge sensor 62 is carried by the cartridge conveyor for detecting an absence of cartridges on the cartridge conveyor. Control unit 16 is in electronic communication with cartridge sensor 62 for stopping cartridge conveyor 10 upon detecting a depletion of wound tape cartridges from holding position 18 (FIG. 5). In the preferred embodiment, cartridge sensor 62 is an optical sensor capable of sensing the presence of a tape cartridge on the cartridge conveyor. However, various other systems of sensors or switches may be employed by a person skilled in the art which are commonly known, and accordingly the present invention is not limited to the example of an optical sensor used in the preferred embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 12, cartridge processing station 12 includes an upper guide track 64 and a lower guide track 66 in a spaced arrangement carried on vertical support plate 68. Guide tracks 64 and 66 are adapted to receive a tape cartridge between the upper and lower guide tracks to direct the cartridge into the operational position for tape removal from cartridge conveyor 10 (FIG. 4).

[0048] A cartridge opening member 70, best shown in FIG. 1, is disposed at the cartridge processing station for opening door 72 of tape cartridge 11 to expose a tape leader 73 (FIG. 5) carried by tape 75 (FIG. 5) within the tape cartridge. As best shown in FIG. 14, as the tape cartridge is moved into cartridge processing station 12, cartridge opening member 70 forces door 72 to swing open. Referring to FIG. 12, cartridge opening member 70 is carried by lower guide track 66 for engaging the tape cartridge when received between the upper and lower guide tracks to open the door to provide access to the cartridge tape. As best shown in FIG. 1, cartridge opening member 70 is a key adapted for opening door 72 when received in keyway 74 of cartridge 11.

[0049] A hub unlocking mechanism, designated generally as 76, is also provided at cartridge processing station 12 for unlocking hub 77 (FIGS. 5-8) on which the tape is wound inside the cartridge so that the hub can spin freely to facilitate removal of the tape from the cartridge. Without unlocking the hub, the unwinding assembly will not be able to strip the tape from the cartridge. Hub unlocking mechanism 76 includes a first hub key 78 carried by upper guide track 64. First hub key 78 is received in cartridge keyway 80 (best seen in FIG. 14) to unlock a first hub lock within the tape cartridge. A second hub key 82 is disposed at lower guide track 66 for engaging the cartridge hub to unlock a second hub lock within the tape cartridge, which will allow the hub to spin freely for tape removal. Second hub key 82 engages a cartridge keyway located on the side of the tape cartridge, which is not pictured. To engage the side cartridge keyway, second hub key 82 moves to an extended position, which engages the side cartridge keyway by extending into the cartridge path, designated generally as 84, of lower guide track 66. To allow for the tape cartridge to slide in and out of cartridge processing station 12, second hub key 82 also has a retracted position, shown in phantom in FIG. 12, wherein second hub key 82 is withdrawn from cartridge path 84. As shown best in FIG. 14, second hub key 82 is affixed to pivot support arm 86. Pivot support arm 86 is operatively associated with pneumatic cylinder 88 which extends and retracts to move second hub key 82 between its extended and retracted positions as described above. Additionally, a hub stabilizing wheel 90 is carried by pivot support arm 86 for engaging the tape cartridge hub to support the hub within the cartridge for tape removal. This prevents the hub from shifting position within the tape cartridge during unwinding which could interfere with tape removal.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, as noted above, an unwinding assembly 14 is positioned adjacent cartridge processing station 12 for engaging the tape in the cartridge and withdrawing the tape to empty the cartridge. Referring to FIG. 4, unwinding assembly 14 includes two main components. First, the unwinding assembly includes a stripping mechanism, designated generally as 92, for receiving the tape from the cartridge and stripping the tape from the hub to empty the cartridge. Secondly, the unwinding assembly includes a movable feed arm 94 having an engagement member 96 for grabbing the tape leader and feeding the tape leader into the stripping mechanism.

[0051] Stripping mechanism 92 includes a drive roller 98 and a primary idler roller 100. Drive roller 98 and primary idler roller 100 are located adjacent each other to cooperate to provide a primary nip 102 for engaging the tape from the cartridge between the drive roller and idler roller. Once the tape is placed in primary nip 102, drive roller 98 is rotated to draw the tape from the cartridge at the primary nip until the tape is stripped from the hub. Stripping mechanism 92 includes a secondary idler roller 104 located above primary idler roller 100 and drive roller 98. Secondary idler roller 104 cooperates with primary idler roller 100 to provide a secondary nip 106 for receiving the tape leader from movable feed arm 94 and engaging the tape leader to direct the tape leader to the primary nip.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, drive roller 98 is operatively connected to a drive motor 108 by drive belt 110. Drive belt 110 is carried by wheels 112 and 114. Wheel 114 is carried by drive shaft 116 and connected to drive roller 98 so that when drive motor 108 rotated wheel 112, drive belt 110 turns wheel 114 which rotated drive shaft 116, thereby rotating drive roller 98. When drive roller 98 is rotated, contact between driver roller 98 and primary idler roller 100 causes primary idler roller 100 to rotate in direction 101 with driver roller 98 rotating in direction 99, as well as causing rotation of secondary idler roller 104 in direction 103 to withdraw tape from the cartridge, as described in detail below. As best shown in FIG. 4, secondary idler roller 104 does not contact drive roller 98 since the direction of rotation of drive roller 98 and secondary idler roller 100 oppose each other as constructed and arranged. As best shown in FIG. 8, as tape is delivered to secondary nip 106, the rotation of the primary and secondary idler rollers forces the tape leader downward towards driver roller 98. The tape leader then contacts the driver roller and is directed to primary nip 102. From primary nip 102, withdrawn tape 75 is directed into a disposal chute 118.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 13, movable feed arm 94 is shown in a start position wherein engagement member 96 is removed from secondary nip 106. Movable feed arm 94 is carried on guide member 120 and vertical displacement mechanism, designated generally as 122. Vertical displacement mechanism 122 raises movable feed arm 94 to engage the tape in the tape cartridge and pull the tape down into secondary nip 106, as described below. Vertical displacement mechanism 122 includes pneumatic cylinder 124 operatively connected to pivot arm 126. Pivot arm 126 includes axel 128, which carries movable feed arm 94, as well as secondary idler roller 104. As best shown in FIG. 1, movable feed arm 94 passes centrally through secondary idler roller 104 so that when the tape leader is drawn downward to secondary nip 106 the tape is properly positioned in the secondary nip to prevent the tape from being ejected from between the rollers. Movable feed arm 94 includes guide slots 130 and 132 for allowing the movable feed arm to be displaced laterally on guide member 120 and axel 128. To move the movable feed arm laterally, pneumatic cylinder 134 is operatively connected to the movable feed arm. Pneumatic cylinder 134 is pivotable to operate in combination with vertical displacement mechanism 122 to move the movable feed arm up and forward to engage the tape leader, and then down and rearward to feed the tape leader to the stripping mechanism.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, movable feed arm 94 is moved to a hooking position by extending pneumatic cylinder 134 and raising axel 128. As pneumatic cylinder 134 is extended, slots 130 and 132 direct movable feed arm 94 on guide member 120 and axel 128 to position the movable feed arm into the hooking position shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 6, axel 128 is then lowered so that engagement member 96 engages tape leader 73 and begins to withdraw the tape from the cartridge located in cartridge processing station 12. Secondary idler roller 104 is also placed in contact with primary idler roller 100 to provide secondary nip 106. Referring to FIG. 7, pneumatic cylinder 134 begins retracting to pull movable feed arm 94 and engagement member 96 carrying tape leader 73 towards secondary nip 106. Referring to FIG. 8, the movable feed arm is shown in a feeding position wherein engagement member 96 has placed the tape leader into secondary nip 106 and drive roller 98 has directed tape leader 73 into disposal chute 118. Engagement member 96 is held off of primary idler roller 100 to prevent damage to the stripping mechanism while the tape is stripped from the cartridge. The movable feed arm is then ready for another cartridge to be placed in the cartridge processing station.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, a tape sensor 136 is disposed underneath primary nip 102 at the unwinding assembly for monitoring the passage of tape through the unwinding assembly. The tape sensor is operatively associated with a control unit for stopping operation of the apparatus upon detecting an absence of tape passing through the unwinding assembly after a predetermined period of time. Preferably, tape sensor 136 is an optical switch that distinguishes between the presence and absence of tape passing into disposal chute 118.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, disposal chute 118 is positioned adjacent unwinding assembly 14 for receiving tape stripped from the cartridge and delivering the tape into a collection bin. Disposal chute 118 includes a vacuum orifice 117 disposed generally beneath primary nip 102, which has a suction force for pulling tape stripped from the cartridge by the unwinding assembly into disposal chute 118 and forcing the tape through the disposal chute and into a collection bin. A blower 119 delivers a rapid stream of air into disposal chute 118 which produces the suction force to pull the tape into and through the disposal chute for delivery into a collection bin.

[0057] While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for automatically removing tape from a wound tape cartridge of the type having a hub around which a length of tape is wound, a protective housing surrounding said hub having a door for providing access to the tape during use, and locking members for preventing the hub from unintentionally rotating and the door from unintentionally opening, said apparatus comprising: a cartridge conveyor for conveying a plurality of wound tape cartridges; a cartridge processing station for receiving said wound tape cartridges from said cartridge conveyor and holding the cartridges in an operational position for tape removal; a cartridge opening member disposed at said cartridge processing station for opening said door of a tape cartridge to expose a tape leader carried by the tape within the cartridge; a hub unlocking mechanism disposed at said cartridge processing station for unlocking said hub on which the tape is wound so that said hub can spin freely to facilitate removal of the tape from the cartridge; an unwinding assembly disposed adjacent said processing station for engaging said tape leader and withdrawing the tape from the cartridge; said unwinding assembly including: a stripping mechanism for receiving the tape from the cartridge and stripping the tape from the hub to empty the cartridge; and, a movable feed arm having an engagement member for grabbing said tape leader and feeding said tape leader into said stripping mechanism.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cartridge conveyor has a holding position for holding said plurality of wound tape cartridges prior to delivery to said cartridge processing station, and a loading position for receiving cartridges from said holding position; said cartridge conveyor transferring said wound tape cartridges from said loading position to said cartridge processing station in a sequential manner.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said cartridge conveyor includes a loading mechanism disposed adjacent said cartridge processing station; said loading mechanism having a cartridge engaging member adapted for engaging said wound tape cartridges at said loading position and transferring said cartridges from said loading position to said cartridge processing station; and said cartridge engaging member withdrawing unwound tape cartridge from said cartridge processing station so that another wound tape cartridge can be inserted into said cartridge processing station.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said cartridge conveyor has a return position adjacent said loading position for holding said unwound tape cartridges; said loading mechanism withdrawing unwound tape cartridges from said cartridge processing station and transferring said unwound tape cartridges to said return position.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said cartridge conveyor transfers said wound tape cartridges in a first direction from said holding position to said loading position, and said loading mechanism transfers said wound tape cartridges in a second direction transverse to said first direction from said loading position to said cartridge processing station and from said cartridge processing station to said return position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said cartridge conveyor has at least one conveyor belt adapted for conveying said wound tape cartridges from said holding position to said loading position.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said cartridge conveyor includes a cartridge lift mechanism disposed at said loading position operatively associated with said loading mechanism; said lift mechanism having a lowered position in which a wound tape cartridge on said conveyor belt at said holding position can be delivered onto said lift mechanism at said loading position, and a raised position wherein said wound tape cartridge at said loading position is lifted off said conveyor belt so that said loading mechanism can slide said wound tape cartridge into said cartridge processing station.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 including a cartridge sensor carried by said cartridge conveyor for detecting an absence of cartridges on said cartridge conveyor; a control unit in electronic communication with said cartridge sensor for stopping said cartridge conveyor upon depletion of wound tape cartridges.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cartridge processing station includes an upper guide track and a lower guide track in a spaced arrangement adapted to receive a cartridge between said upper and lower guide tracks to direct the cartridge into said operational position from said cartridge conveyor.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said cartridge opening member is carried by said lower guide track for engaging said cartridge when received between said upper and lower guide tracks to open said door to provide access to the cartridge tape.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said hub unlocking mechanism includes a first hub key carried by said upper guide track, and a second hub key disposed at said lower guide track for engaging said cartridge hub to unlock said hub to allow for tape removal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said stripping mechanism includes a drive roller and a primary idler roller; said drive roller and primary idler roller cooperating to provide a primary nip for engaging said tape from said cartridge; said drive roller rotating to draw the tape from the cartridge at said primary nip until the tape is stripped from said hub.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said stripping mechanism includes a secondary idler roller cooperating with said primary idler roller to provide a secondary nip for engaging said tape leader and directing said tape leader to said primary nip.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said movable feed arm delivers said tape leader to said secondary nip for stripping said tape from said cartridge.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 including a tape sensor disposed at said unwinding assembly for monitoring the passage of tape through said unwinding assembly; said tape sensor operatively associated with a control unit for stopping operation of the apparatus upon detecting an absence of tape passing through the unwinding assembly after a predetermined period of time.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 including a disposal chute carried adjacent said unwinding assembly; said disposal chute including a vacuum orifice disposed beneath said unwinding assembly having a suction force for pulling tape stripped from said cartridge into the disposal chute and forcing the tape through said disposal chute and into a collection bin.
 17. An apparatus for automatically removing tape from a wound tape cartridge of the type having a hub around which a length of tape is wound, a protective housing surrounding said hub having a door for providing access to the tape during use, and locking members for preventing the hub from unintentionally rotating and the door from unintentionally opening, said apparatus comprising: a cartridge conveyor adapted to convey a plurality of wound tape cartridges; a cartridge processing station for receiving said wound tape cartridges from said cartridge conveyor in a sequential manner and holding the cartridges in an operational position to allow for automatic removal of the tape from the cartridges; and an unwinding assembly operatively associated with said processing station for engaging the tape in a cartridge being held in said operational position at said processing station and stripping the tape from said cartridge; whereby an automated apparatus is provided for quickly and efficiently removing tape from a plurality of wound tape cartridges.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 including a cartridge opening member disposed at said cartridge processing station for opening said tape cartridges to expose a tape leader carried by the tape within the cartridge so that said tape leader can be fed into said unwinding assembly.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 including a hub unlocking mechanism disposed at said cartridge processing station for unlocking said hub on which the tape is wound so that said hub can spin freely to facilitate removal of the tape from the cartridge.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said unwinding assembly includes a stripping mechanism for receiving the tape from the cartridge and stripping the tape from the hub to empty the cartridge.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said unwinding assembly includes a movable feed arm having an engagement member for grabbing said tape and feeding said tape into said stripping mechanism.
 22. The apparatus of claim 17 including a disposal chute carried adjacent said unwinding assembly; said disposal chute including a vacuum orifice disposed beneath said unwinding assembly having a suction force for pulling tape stripped from said cartridge into the disposal chute and forcing the tape through said disposal chute and into a collection bin.
 23. A method for automatically removing tape from a wound tape cartridge of the type having a hub around which a length of tape is wound, a protective housing surrounding said hub having a door for providing access to the tape during use, and locking members for preventing the hub from unintentionally rotating and the door from unintentionally opening, said method comprising the steps of: conveying a plurality of wound tape cartridges to a cartridge processing station in a consecutive manner; holding a cartridge in an operational position at said cartridge processing station; opening the cartridge to expose a tape leader carried by the tape within said cartridge; unlocking said hub carrying said tape to facilitate removal of the tape from said cartridge; engaging said tape leader with a movable feed arm; feeding said tape leader into a stripping mechanism; and stripping the tape from said hub until the cartridge is empty.
 24. The method of claim 23 including the step of conveying a wound tape cartridge from a holding position to a loading position adjacent said cartridge processing station.
 25. The method of claim 24 including the step of lifting said tape cartridge at said loading position off of said conveyor.
 26. The method of claim 25 including the step of sliding the lifted tape cartridge into said cartridge processing station clear of said conveyor.
 27. The method of claim 26 including the step of withdrawing an unwound tape cartridge from said cartridge processing station after stripping and transferring said unwound tape cartridge to a return position so that another wound tape cartridge can be placed in said cartridge processing station.
 28. The method of claim 23 including the step of suctioning the tape stripped from the cartridge into a disposal chute and depositing the tape into a collection bin. 